Tottenham Hotspur signing Ivan Perisic is becoming a little more realistic, even if Chelsea have reportedly entered the race.
Perisic has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham during the summer, with Antonio Conte knowing the player from their time at Inter Milan.
The Croatia international is out of contract at San Siro this summer and reportedly wants to join Conte in North London.
However, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed to his Here We Go podcast that Chelsea are now in the mix, claiming that both the Blues and the Lilywhites have made approaches to sign the 33-year-old during the transfer window.
He said: “Perisic has no agreement with any club. This is important to say. There are approaches from the Premier League. We know that Tottenham are interested in Ivan Perisic. And also Chelsea since January with Thomas Tuchel, who is a big fan.”
Tottenham Hotspur signing Ivan Perisic?
Well, possibly.
Romano revealed on Tuesday that the Nerazurri – who lost the Serie A title to Milan rivals AC this past weekend – had offered Perisic an £82,000-a-week deal to sign an extension.
However, that’s way below the £125,000 he is currently earning on a weekly basis [SalarySport] and it seems unlikely that he’d be willing to stay with the Italian outfit.
Chelsea have historically been much bigger spenders than Tottenham, it goes without saying.
However, Spurs’ owners ENIC injected £150 million into the club yesterday [The Athletic] to help Conte with transfer-related matters during the summer and that’s precisely the sort of boost that could help the Italian manager land his former player ahead of the Stamford Bridge club.
Remember, the North Londoners are back in the Champions League now too, which is also likely to appeal to the veteran winger.
Tottenham Hotspur signing Ivan Perisic would’ve been a much bigger deal a few years ago, during the player’s peak.
But this is still a very capable, experienced footballer and one who would improve the Lilywhites no doubt.
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